Since his inception back in 1940, Captain Marvel (now known only as Shazam) has undergone a roller-coaster of popularity. For a time, his comics were even more popular than those of Superman. Though, he’s gone a few decades being seen as a C-list character. Now, he gets his first movie as the public perception of DC’s film universe is on the upswing.
In Shazam, young Billy Batson is a rough kid making the rounds through foster homes. Just as he finds a family willing to care for him, he is summoned by an ancient wizard and given the legendary powers of Shazam. It then becomes his job to be a guardian for those around him, yet this isn’t so easy as he is still a selfish 14-year old boy.
Essentially, a teen magically gets the powers of Superman and does exactly what you imagine a teenager would do. Asher Angel plays young Billy Batson and has the right amount of angst and dispassion for authority. The movie even makes a case for Billy not being truly worthy of the title, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Zachary Levi, in a cinematic star-making role plays old Billy/Shazam and he is clearly having the time of his life. This is a role that he has been destined for and it’s a joy to watch the smile on his face throughout. Part of what makes this (and Aquaman) such a joy to watch is that these leads are just so happy to be part of movies that are larger than life with rich mythologies.
It’s not all fun and games in this origin movie. Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong) goes through a bit of his own chosen guardian story as well. In fact, the movie begins with his viewpoint. Where any other comic flick would add bit parts of super-punching in a villain like this, we get the reasoning behind his Evil Queen/Snow White agenda. Mark Strong gets to chew the scenery and the movie does its part to call that out in one of the best scenes.
David Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation) is a horror director with a record of keeping the budget low, ensuring profitability. Thankfully, beyond that, he shows a passion for the character that introduces the titular, classic hero and will make him a household name once again. In addition, he adds moments not typically meant for a light-hearted comedic super flick. This movie has moments of terror (and a terrific horror easter egg) and off-kilter jokes that will go over younger audiences’ heads.
There’s a real sincerity at the core of this movie that establishes as something more than just another fun comic book flick. The unconventional family structure gives young Billy a reason to develop as a character, when it seems that his super-self doesn’t need a reliance on anyone else at all.
I might have been so heavily involved in Shazam because of the character of Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) and his infatuation with all things superheroes as a kid. You just know that he has spent far too long debating the merits of flying vs invisibility and actually thinks this will be a decision he may have to make one day.
Content-wise, this is a mixed bag. DC almost had a full-fledged kids movie that would have perfectly satiated that audience. Yet, with some vulgarity and more adult jokes, it tries to walk the path of pleasing both a young and old audience. Even older audiences will be taken with the charisma and excitement of Shazam because this movie really comes down realizing wish fulfillment. While there are some minor easter eggs tossed in, the nostalgia does not come from forced music cues or dated references. Instead, it reminds you of classic ’80s adventure flicks that are perfect for Saturday Morning viewing.
Shazam is not perfect, and it’s also not the best DC movie in my not-so-humble opinion. Uncanny valley is in full effect at times and it’s clear the studio is trying to save a buck. A few of the jokes are repeated one too many times. However, Shazam is just what it needs to be. It is an entirely enjoyable adventure of a punk kid turned superman who doesn’t feel the weight of the world quite yet. I can’t yet say how this movie will hold up in the long run, but it’s a blast to watch and will resonate with anyone that grew up wanting powers of your own. B+
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